It also warns that if an exhibitor’s stand theme is deemed inappropriate or doesn’t comply with its equality, diversity and inclusion policy, they may not be permitted to open their stand at the event.

The new guide urges exhibitors to “Consider the mix of staff you have on the stand (gender, age, ethnicity etc). Do they represent the diversity of your company, and if not, be prepared to explain why not?”

Nathan Garnett, event director of UK Construction Week, told the BBC the Las Vegas-themed stand was a one-off: “We had standard guidelines. We understand it was a mistake, but we’ve turned it in to a positive.

“The company in question has apologised for what’s happened. The theme of the stand was ‘Why gamble?’ but it went too far.”

‘Laddish’

A growing number of events and how they treat women are attracting closer scrutiny.

The annual show for the international property industry, Mipim, which is held in Cannes each year, is facing accusations of being a sexist and male-dominated event.

Several women I have spoken to have described the event as “uncomfortable” and “laddish”, with a tradition of heavy drinking at parties on yachts and at hotels.

Local sex workers allegedly used the conference’s Twitter hashtag to attract customers at last year’s event, but a spokesman for Mipim strongly denied accusations that prostitutes had actually attended last year’s conference.

He said: “Under no circumstances does Mipim register prostitutes” at the event.